ElectroCooler Install Prep - Better Center Dash Vent??

[Duc Hunter]

In prep for my Electrocooler install I was looking at adding a new dash to my '75. It came with a non-vent dash, and there is no dash pad anyway. I thought "add the 86-89 dash and vents for max air movement." The bigger center vent is better right?

When I went looking for the vents and the parts behind the dash I saw these pictures, and now I am not sure if the earlier center vent is not as good as the later one? In fact, it looks to me like the feed for the "new" center vent is the same as the old one. this has led me to the hypothesis that Porsche may have changed the center vent to match the "new", and clearly much improved, side vents. They may not have even changed the feed tube to the "new" center vent, and this it cannot flow any more air than the old style, as it will only flow as much as the smallest area would permit. Thoughts?

"New" Cent Vent Front....looks big right?


"New" Center Vent side....look how it necks down behind the dash? Hmmm


"New" Center Vent from the back....looks a lot like the size of the early style vent doesn't it?


"New" style vent feed tube. Sure looks like it would also feed the earlier style dash center vent


Have I lost my mind? I do not have the old and new ones to compare side by side. These pics are from an eBay add, but sure seem to support my hypothesis above.

[Jonny H]

I'm not convinced by the big vents either. Although they look 'better', the amount of air will be the same as it is travelling down the same 60mm duct. Having a larger outlet will also have the effect of slowing the air down compared to a smaller outlet like the SC.

Another criticism of the 3.2 Carrera vent is that they don't tilt enough for the air to reach the drivers face. Perhaps try and sit in a 3.2 before you commit?

I'll post up pics of my clock vent later, now that does work very well.

[Duc Hunter]

Originally Posted by Jonny H

I'm not convinced by the big vents either. Although they look 'better', the amount of air will be the same as it is travelling down the same 60mm duct. Having a larger outlet will also have the effect of slowing the air down compared to a smaller outlet like the SC.

Another criticism of the 3.2 Carrera vent is that they don't tilt enough for the air to reach the drivers face. Perhaps try and sit in a 3.2 before you commit?

I'll post up pics of my clock vent later, now that does work very well.

My clock vent idea is the Ford vent that fits like a glove. I have a 3.2 too, and while I like the vents in it, they are a bit restricted in terms up bowing air up. AS I say above though, the feed looks just like the feed for the "smaller" center vents of the older car... shame I cannot CFM test them. Jonny, you point about the same 60mm fee hose is crucial to.

[Tom Elder]

Hi, Chris

Timely thread, I received my AC kit a while ago, but a shift in priorities, I have not got around to install. But I have been thinking about the vents. I never particularly liked the looks of the rectangular Porsche vents, and thought round vents would look better in my outlaw themed car. Round gages / round vents. Summit has a lot of AC vents, although I did not find something I really liked, I did buy one for mock up purposes.
https://www.summitracing.com/int/search/part-type/interior-vents?N=4294917783&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=air%20dash%20vents&retaillocation=int

https://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/vta-499193/overview/

The other good source I found was Aircraft Spruce, I really like the look, fits well with the theme better, just a bit pricey.
Eyeball Vents from Aircraft Spruce

Plan would be to design a 3D printed under dash mounting panel for the vents, or possibly metal fab or try my buddy’s new vac table, to make a mount with some form. Need to do a mock up before deciding.

I look forward to seeing your solution and Jonny’s clock vent as well.

Cheers, Tom

[Duc Hunter]

Tom,

The Summit Racing vent looks a lot like the Ford F150 vent I have in my clock position. I too have though about round vents in the conversion replace the side vents too, and go all round. The catch as, I have yet to find some that I thought would look the part in a 911 cockpit. I have not taken and in depth look though.

[Chuck.H]

I have a newer Jeep Wrangler that has round vents, take a look at those. I was just thinking the other day how nice it would be to have the clock and fuel gauge as AC vents - right next to hands and face. I think cold air on the hands is the ticket to keeping cool, I know it feels great in that Jeep even with the top down and summer on MAX.

Chuck.H
'89 M491 Targa, 439k miles

[Duc Hunter]

Interesting idea. I have seen some interesting round vents from certain audi’s too.

[Jonny H]

Pictures of my clock vent




It uses the 'spare' outlet port on our blower (centre of picture). This would be on the other side on a LHD car.



Remember that my car is RHD so I get a strong vent either side of me which is lovely. On a LHD, I wonder if the left hand oil gauge could be moved to the clock position and the vent put close to the drivers window.

[Jonny H]

Vent open: